A must read - both entertaining and thought provoking., 28 Sep 2008
I've always been interested in NASA and the Space Shuttle. I bought this book and read it in less than a week. It's that good I found it hard to put it down!

Mike Mullane tells us in brutal honestly what it is like to be an astronaut. How the fear of a launch will keep you awake at night but then how you would not miss it for the world. The extremes are all there - from the tradegy of Challenger and Columbia, to the absolute joy of being in Space and looking back down on the Earth. And then there is Mike's sence of humour (of as he calls it - his "arrested development" sence of humour!), which is an absolute joy.

I loved this book from start to finish. It is easy to read even if you have no interest in the space programe. I recommend this to anyone. Fantastic book Mike!

Seat of the pants stuff, 11 Dec 2007
This is probably the best astronaut autobiography I have read with the possible exception of Michael Collin's book. Colonel Mike Mullane was the first generation of the space shuttle astronauts specifically selected to fly on the machine. His book is a no holds bared account of his time before and at NASA and the courage, terror and perhaps foolhardy nature it takes to ride into space on rocket which basically has no effective escape system. Personally I liked all the anecdotes that are scattered throughout the book, I particularly liked the way he described the meeting of two cultures, scientist astronaut and military astronaut. Having served in the infantry and being a scientist I can well appreciate the two would not initially get along. As Colonel Mullane describes he was a product of his environment, Vietnam veteran and survivor of a catholic school. However, the moral of his story and life education is the respect he developed for women who want a career and also people who are prepared to put their life on the line in pursuit of a common goal which is unobtainable to most. This is one of my selected `toilet' books and it is well thumbed companion. Friends who come to stay always get addicted when reading it and basically only emerge when nagged by their wives, who then get addicted to. Well worth the read.

A no holds barred account of 80s NASA, 01 May 2007
I bought this as i wanted to know all about spaceflight and the workings of NASA from someone who had actually been there and i got just that despite the personality of the author.

Mullane recounts his life before NASA, his yearnings for space and then all his time at NASA. His intense enthusiasm for space drives the narrative. He gives a gritty and honest view of what it was like to work at NASA including internal politics and competition for flight places. Specifically his detail on waiting to fly, sitting on the launch pad and being in space was the part i was most excited to read.

However it does come across immediately that Mullane is (and freely admits) a chauvinist, extremely childish and living up to a gung-ho, yee-ha 'Top Gun' stereotype of American fighter pilots. The regular comments and jokes about his other colleagues, pranks and attitude to the world were really tiresome and quite shocking in places. This continues throughout and although doesn't stop this from being a great read is a continual annoyance.

If you are interested in the US Space Program, then read this book., 04 Sep 2006
There are a good number of astronaut biographies available. Inevitably there is fair amount of repetition sometimes straying towards telling you what SHOULD have happened rather than what DID happen. But Mike's book is different. This is the story of what it's all about being an astronaut: nuts and bolts, human weaknesses, bureaucracy, chauvanism, fear, elation, reality. But above all the need to fly into space. If you were to read only one astronaut biography, then this should be it.

the Bill Bryson of space travel, 03 May 2006
I've been waiting for this book since I was a kid watching the first landing on the Moon on TV. It is something completely different from what I read till now on the spacce project. To say that Mike Mullane is the Bill Bryson of space travel is to underestimate him. You will not only appreciate the story, the inside view on the US space program (including the permanent mismanagement). You will also learn about a real dream love: the one with his wife, Donna. What is really outstanding in Mike is the chase for the "ultimate honesty". He constantly refuse the "politically correct" approach and goes straigth to the core of our relations to space travels, dreams, technology, relation with... women, with our boss and with... the girl of our dream, in this case another Astronaut tragically dead in the Challenger accident. The last pages in particular are surprisingly good and poetic. I would never expect something like that.

Thanks, Mike, for your honesty.

A must read - both entertaining and thought provoking., 28 Sep 2008
I've always been interested in NASA and the Space Shuttle. I bought this book and read it in less than a week. It's that good I found it hard to put it down!

Mike Mullane tells us in brutal honestly what it is like to be an astronaut. How the fear of a launch will keep you awake at night but then how you would not miss it for the world. The extremes are all there - from the tradegy of Challenger and Columbia, to the absolute joy of being in Space and looking back down on the Earth. And then there is Mike's sence of humour (of as he calls it - his "arrested development" sence of humour!), which is an absolute joy.

I loved this book from start to finish. It is easy to read even if you have no interest in the space programe. I recommend this to anyone. Fantastic book Mike!

Seat of the pants stuff, 11 Dec 2007
This is probably the best astronaut autobiography I have read with the possible exception of Michael Collin's book. Colonel Mike Mullane was the first generation of the space shuttle astronauts specifically selected to fly on the machine. His book is a no holds bared account of his time before and at NASA and the courage, terror and perhaps foolhardy nature it takes to ride into space on rocket which basically has no effective escape system. Personally I liked all the anecdotes that are scattered throughout the book, I particularly liked the way he described the meeting of two cultures, scientist astronaut and military astronaut. Having served in the infantry and being a scientist I can well appreciate the two would not initially get along. As Colonel Mullane describes he was a product of his environment, Vietnam veteran and survivor of a catholic school. However, the moral of his story and life education is the respect he developed for women who want a career and also people who are prepared to put their life on the line in pursuit of a common goal which is unobtainable to most. This is one of my selected `toilet' books and it is well thumbed companion. Friends who come to stay always get addicted when reading it and basically only emerge when nagged by their wives, who then get addicted to. Well worth the read.

A no holds barred account of 80s NASA, 01 May 2007
I bought this as i wanted to know all about spaceflight and the workings of NASA from someone who had actually been there and i got just that despite the personality of the author.

Mullane recounts his life before NASA, his yearnings for space and then all his time at NASA. His intense enthusiasm for space drives the narrative. He gives a gritty and honest view of what it was like to work at NASA including internal politics and competition for flight places. Specifically his detail on waiting to fly, sitting on the launch pad and being in space was the part i was most excited to read.

However it does come across immediately that Mullane is (and freely admits) a chauvinist, extremely childish and living up to a gung-ho, yee-ha 'Top Gun' stereotype of American fighter pilots. The regular comments and jokes about his other colleagues, pranks and attitude to the world were really tiresome and quite shocking in places. This continues throughout and although doesn't stop this from being a great read is a continual annoyance.

If you are interested in the US Space Program, then read this book., 04 Sep 2006
There are a good number of astronaut biographies available. Inevitably there is fair amount of repetition sometimes straying towards telling you what SHOULD have happened rather than what DID happen. But Mike's book is different. This is the story of what it's all about being an astronaut: nuts and bolts, human weaknesses, bureaucracy, chauvanism, fear, elation, reality. But above all the need to fly into space. If you were to read only one astronaut biography, then this should be it.

the Bill Bryson of space travel, 03 May 2006
I've been waiting for this book since I was a kid watching the first landing on the Moon on TV. It is something completely different from what I read till now on the spacce project. To say that Mike Mullane is the Bill Bryson of space travel is to underestimate him. You will not only appreciate the story, the inside view on the US space program (including the permanent mismanagement). You will also learn about a real dream love: the one with his wife, Donna. What is really outstanding in Mike is the chase for the "ultimate honesty". He constantly refuse the "politically correct" approach and goes straigth to the core of our relations to space travels, dreams, technology, relation with... women, with our boss and with... the girl of our dream, in this case another Astronaut tragically dead in the Challenger accident. The last pages in particular are surprisingly good and poetic. I would never expect something like that.

Thanks, Mike, for your honesty.

Slightly disappointed, 09 Nov 2008


I purchased this book with a gift token I received from a friend. I was hoping for a "definitive" pictorial account of Nasa's first fifty years in space. It does have a comprehensive collection of images with many full page colour reproductions of original material.
BUT
Far too many of the pictures are of NASA personnel, Astronauts, engineers flight controllers etc. After a while one lantern jawed,crew cut guy in a flight suit looks like any other! If you are looking for a NASA "family album" then fine but to my taste there's simply too many pretty mundane portrait type pictures at the expense of "the bigger picture" of space exploration. For that reason I cannot recommend its purchase since there are better books out there on the subject.

A must read - both entertaining and thought provoking., 28 Sep 2008
I've always been interested in NASA and the Space Shuttle. I bought this book and read it in less than a week. It's that good I found it hard to put it down!

Mike Mullane tells us in brutal honestly what it is like to be an astronaut. How the fear of a launch will keep you awake at night but then how you would not miss it for the world. The extremes are all there - from the tradegy of Challenger and Columbia, to the absolute joy of being in Space and looking back down on the Earth. And then there is Mike's sence of humour (of as he calls it - his "arrested development" sence of humour!), which is an absolute joy.

I loved this book from start to finish. It is easy to read even if you have no interest in the space programe. I recommend this to anyone. Fantastic book Mike!

Seat of the pants stuff, 11 Dec 2007
This is probably the best astronaut autobiography I have read with the possible exception of Michael Collin's book. Colonel Mike Mullane was the first generation of the space shuttle astronauts specifically selected to fly on the machine. His book is a no holds bared account of his time before and at NASA and the courage, terror and perhaps foolhardy nature it takes to ride into space on rocket which basically has no effective escape system. Personally I liked all the anecdotes that are scattered throughout the book, I particularly liked the way he described the meeting of two cultures, scientist astronaut and military astronaut. Having served in the infantry and being a scientist I can well appreciate the two would not initially get along. As Colonel Mullane describes he was a product of his environment, Vietnam veteran and survivor of a catholic school. However, the moral of his story and life education is the respect he developed for women who want a career and also people who are prepared to put their life on the line in pursuit of a common goal which is unobtainable to most. This is one of my selected `toilet' books and it is well thumbed companion. Friends who come to stay always get addicted when reading it and basically only emerge when nagged by their wives, who then get addicted to. Well worth the read.

A no holds barred account of 80s NASA, 01 May 2007
I bought this as i wanted to know all about spaceflight and the workings of NASA from someone who had actually been there and i got just that despite the personality of the author.

Mullane recounts his life before NASA, his yearnings for space and then all his time at NASA. His intense enthusiasm for space drives the narrative. He gives a gritty and honest view of what it was like to work at NASA including internal politics and competition for flight places. Specifically his detail on waiting to fly, sitting on the launch pad and being in space was the part i was most excited to read.

However it does come across immediately that Mullane is (and freely admits) a chauvinist, extremely childish and living up to a gung-ho, yee-ha 'Top Gun' stereotype of American fighter pilots. The regular comments and jokes about his other colleagues, pranks and attitude to the world were really tiresome and quite shocking in places. This continues throughout and although doesn't stop this from being a great read is a continual annoyance.

If you are interested in the US Space Program, then read this book., 04 Sep 2006
There are a good number of astronaut biographies available. Inevitably there is fair amount of repetition sometimes straying towards telling you what SHOULD have happened rather than what DID happen. But Mike's book is different. This is the story of what it's all about being an astronaut: nuts and bolts, human weaknesses, bureaucracy, chauvanism, fear, elation, reality. But above all the need to fly into space. If you were to read only one astronaut biography, then this should be it.

the Bill Bryson of space travel, 03 May 2006
I've been waiting for this book since I was a kid watching the first landing on the Moon on TV. It is something completely different from what I read till now on the spacce project. To say that Mike Mullane is the Bill Bryson of space travel is to underestimate him. You will not only appreciate the story, the inside view on the US space program (including the permanent mismanagement). You will also learn about a real dream love: the one with his wife, Donna. What is really outstanding in Mike is the chase for the "ultimate honesty". He constantly refuse the "politically correct" approach and goes straigth to the core of our relations to space travels, dreams, technology, relation with... women, with our boss and with... the girl of our dream, in this case another Astronaut tragically dead in the Challenger accident. The last pages in particular are surprisingly good and poetic. I would never expect something like that.

Thanks, Mike, for your honesty.

Slightly disappointed, 09 Nov 2008


I purchased this book with a gift token I received from a friend. I was hoping for a "definitive" pictorial account of Nasa's first fifty years in space. It does have a comprehensive collection of images with many full page colour reproductions of original material.
BUT
Far too many of the pictures are of NASA personnel, Astronauts, engineers flight controllers etc. After a while one lantern jawed,crew cut guy in a flight suit looks like any other! If you are looking for a NASA "family album" then fine but to my taste there's simply too many pretty mundane portrait type pictures at the expense of "the bigger picture" of space exploration. For that reason I cannot recommend its purchase since there are better books out there on the subject.


This is one of the best Schaum's outlines., 13 May 1999
This is a very detailed outline on Lagrangian mechanics. Many of the Schaum's series outlines deal only with some of the simplest problems, leaving the more diffucult problems to the reader, or to texts. Here, the author dedicates two chapters to background material, and covers everything from the most basic to some quite advanced problems in the remaining sixteen chapters. A very good outline, and a must for those who love to see good examples when learning a subject.

A must read - both entertaining and thought provoking., 28 Sep 2008
I've always been interested in NASA and the Space Shuttle. I bought this book and read it in less than a week. It's that good I found it hard to put it down!

Mike Mullane tells us in brutal honestly what it is like to be an astronaut. How the fear of a launch will keep you awake at night but then how you would not miss it for the world. The extremes are all there - from the tradegy of Challenger and Columbia, to the absolute joy of being in Space and looking back down on the Earth. And then there is Mike's sence of humour (of as he calls it - his "arrested development" sence of humour!), which is an absolute joy.

I loved this book from start to finish. It is easy to read even if you have no interest in the space programe. I recommend this to anyone. Fantastic book Mike!

Seat of the pants stuff, 11 Dec 2007
This is probably the best astronaut autobiography I have read with the possible exception of Michael Collin's book. Colonel Mike Mullane was the first generation of the space shuttle astronauts specifically selected to fly on the machine. His book is a no holds bared account of his time before and at NASA and the courage, terror and perhaps foolhardy nature it takes to ride into space on rocket which basically has no effective escape system. Personally I liked all the anecdotes that are scattered throughout the book, I particularly liked the way he described the meeting of two cultures, scientist astronaut and military astronaut. Having served in the infantry and being a scientist I can well appreciate the two would not initially get along. As Colonel Mullane describes he was a product of his environment, Vietnam veteran and survivor of a catholic school. However, the moral of his story and life education is the respect he developed for women who want a career and also people who are prepared to put their life on the line in pursuit of a common goal which is unobtainable to most. This is one of my selected `toilet' books and it is well thumbed companion. Friends who come to stay always get addicted when reading it and basically only emerge when nagged by their wives, who then get addicted to. Well worth the read.

A no holds barred account of 80s NASA, 01 May 2007
I bought this as i wanted to know all about spaceflight and the workings of NASA from someone who had actually been there and i got just that despite the personality of the author.

Mullane recounts his life before NASA, his yearnings for space and then all his time at NASA. His intense enthusiasm for space drives the narrative. He gives a gritty and honest view of what it was like to work at NASA including internal politics and competition for flight places. Specifically his detail on waiting to fly, sitting on the launch pad and being in space was the part i was most excited to read.

However it does come across immediately that Mullane is (and freely admits) a chauvinist, extremely childish and living up to a gung-ho, yee-ha 'Top Gun' stereotype of American fighter pilots. The regular comments and jokes about his other colleagues, pranks and attitude to the world were really tiresome and quite shocking in places. This continues throughout and although doesn't stop this from being a great read is a continual annoyance.

If you are interested in the US Space Program, then read this book., 04 Sep 2006
There are a good number of astronaut biographies available. Inevitably there is fair amount of repetition sometimes straying towards telling you what SHOULD have happened rather than what DID happen. But Mike's book is different. This is the story of what it's all about being an astronaut: nuts and bolts, human weaknesses, bureaucracy, chauvanism, fear, elation, reality. But above all the need to fly into space. If you were to read only one astronaut biography, then this should be it.

the Bill Bryson of space travel, 03 May 2006
I've been waiting for this book since I was a kid watching the first landing on the Moon on TV. It is something completely different from what I read till now on the spacce project. To say that Mike Mullane is the Bill Bryson of space travel is to underestimate him. You will not only appreciate the story, the inside view on the US space program (including the permanent mismanagement). You will also learn about a real dream love: the one with his wife, Donna. What is really outstanding in Mike is the chase for the "ultimate honesty". He constantly refuse the "politically correct" approach and goes straigth to the core of our relations to space travels, dreams, technology, relation with... women, with our boss and with... the girl of our dream, in this case another Astronaut tragically dead in the Challenger accident. The last pages in particular are surprisingly good and poetic. I would never expect something like that.

Thanks, Mike, for your honesty.

Slightly disappointed, 09 Nov 2008


I purchased this book with a gift token I received from a friend. I was hoping for a "definitive" pictorial account of Nasa's first fifty years in space. It does have a comprehensive collection of images with many full page colour reproductions of original material.
BUT
Far too many of the pictures are of NASA personnel, Astronauts, engineers flight controllers etc. After a while one lantern jawed,crew cut guy in a flight suit looks like any other! If you are looking for a NASA "family album" then fine but to my taste there's simply too many pretty mundane portrait type pictures at the expense of "the bigger picture" of space exploration. For that reason I cannot recommend its purchase since there are better books out there on the subject.


This is one of the best Schaum's outlines., 13 May 1999
This is a very detailed outline on Lagrangian mechanics. Many of the Schaum's series outlines deal only with some of the simplest problems, leaving the more diffucult problems to the reader, or to texts. Here, the author dedicates two chapters to background material, and covers everything from the most basic to some quite advanced problems in the remaining sixteen chapters. A very good outline, and a must for those who love to see good examples when learning a subject.

Speculative but possible, 31 Aug 2008
The great thing about Joseph Farrell's books are that aside from being interesting reads, they always challenge what you might term "conventional history", and thus regardless of whether you agree with him or not they always make you reconsider what previously you might have taken for granted to be fact. This book is certainly no exception to that.
I have mixed feelings about the book. On the negative side, some of the theories written by other researchers that Farrell uses to support his central theory of an ancient war in the solar system are not very credible, and also he rejects certain other researchers theories, but then actually uses them as supporting evidence.
For instance in the 3rd chapter of part 1, he discusses the work of Alan Alford who by the way believes that behind virtually all religions and philosophies "...there lies a single secret of stunning simplicity- the age-old myth of exploded planet." In my view Farrell rightfully rejects that theory, but then he goes on to use a slightly modified version of a formula Alford came up with in interpreting the ancient texts to back up his own theory. Where Alford equates the words Mountains = Planets = Gods , Farrell changes this to Mountains being closely associated with but not identical to Planets to Gods, and then proceeds to use that formula when he examines some of the ancient texts. Likewise with Zechariah Sitchin, where he rejects Sitchins theory that the theft of the Tablets of Destinies shut down communications between spaceports on Earth and another planet, but then goes on to use Sitchins theory as supporting evidence that as a result of the theft, there was a loss of communications between some of the Gods on Earth and elsewhere.
On the plus side, part 3 where he looks at external evidence of a war on other planets and moons in the solar system was really interesting, and I couldn't put the book down until I'd read the whole part.
In addition the chapter on plasma cosmology was certainly intriguing, and I think there might be something to it.
The section on what kind of weapons systems that could have been used in the war was not exactly easy going as he writes about some pretty advanced stuff like optical phase conjugation and how it might possibly be used to create some type of planetary or star-busting weapon. However it's certainly an important factor to consider, and after doing a little background reading, I was able to roughly understand the basic concepts, and to see how this kind of technology could potentially have been applied in the scenario described, and he does a pretty good job of interpreting some of the ancient texts along these lines.
Overall I wouldn't say the book is exactly convincing but Farrell himself admits that it is "highly speculative," and considering the limited evidence that is currently available to us I think he's done well in at least showing the cosmic war hypothesis to be a possibility.
Incidentally when the architect of the modern atomic bomb, Robert Oppenheimer was asked "how do you feel after having exploded the first atomic bomb on earth" he replied "not first atomic bomb, but first atomic bomb in modern times." Makes you wonder.


Thought provoking and interesting., 29 May 2008
This book presents the various interpretations of ancient Sumerian, Babylonian, Egyptian and Meso-american texts and show that they have amazing similarities in both story and character. In fact Farrell demonstrates that many characters are the same buy with differing names.

Joseph Farrell makes a good case that all these myths are one and the same 'root origin myth' that is based in an anceint but very real conflict in our Solar System.

Somewhat disturbing, the book also sheds some light on just what the hell Himmler and his deranged acolytes hoped to accomplish in their occult endeavours. This ties up with his work on the Nazi Bell.

A must read - both entertaining and thought provoking., 28 Sep 2008
I've always been interested in NASA and the Space Shuttle. I bought this book and read it in less than a week. It's that good I found it hard to put it down!

Mike Mullane tells us in brutal honestly what it is like to be an astronaut. How the fear of a launch will keep you awake at night but then how you would not miss it for the world. The extremes are all there - from the tradegy of Challenger and Columbia, to the absolute joy of being in Space and looking back down on the Earth. And then there is Mike's sence of humour (of as he calls it - his "arrested development" sence of humour!), which is an absolute joy.

I loved this book from start to finish. It is easy to read even if you have no interest in the space programe. I recommend this to anyone. Fantastic book Mike!

Seat of the pants stuff, 11 Dec 2007
This is probably the best astronaut autobiography I have read with the possible exception of Michael Collin's book. Colonel Mike Mullane was the first generation of the space shuttle astronauts specifically selected to fly on the machine. His book is a no holds bared account of his time before and at NASA and the courage, terror and perhaps foolhardy nature it takes to ride into space on rocket which basically has no effective escape system. Personally I liked all the anecdotes that are scattered throughout the book, I particularly liked the way he described the meeting of two cultures, scientist astronaut and military astronaut. Having served in the infantry and being a scientist I can well appreciate the two would not initially get along. As Colonel Mullane describes he was a product of his environment, Vietnam veteran and survivor of a catholic school. However, the moral of his story and life education is the respect he developed for women who want a career and also people who are prepared to put their life on the line in pursuit of a common goal which is unobtainable to most. This is one of my selected `toilet' books and it is well thumbed companion. Friends who come to stay always get addicted when reading it and basically only emerge when nagged by their wives, who then get addicted to. Well worth the read.

A no holds barred account of 80s NASA, 01 May 2007
I bought this as i wanted to know all about spaceflight and the workings of NASA from someone who had actually been there and i got just that despite the personality of the author.

Mullane recounts his life before NASA, his yearnings for space and then all his time at NASA. His intense enthusiasm for space drives the narrative. He gives a gritty and honest view of what it was like to work at NASA including internal politics and competition for flight places. Specifically his detail on waiting to fly, sitting on the launch pad and being in space was the part i was most excited to read.

However it does come across immediately that Mullane is (and freely admits) a chauvinist, extremely childish and living up to a gung-ho, yee-ha 'Top Gun' stereotype of American fighter pilots. The regular comments and jokes about his other colleagues, pranks and attitude to the world were really tiresome and quite shocking in places. This continues throughout and although doesn't stop this from being a great read is a continual annoyance.

If you are interested in the US Space Program, then read this book., 04 Sep 2006
There are a good number of astronaut biographies available. Inevitably there is fair amount of repetition sometimes straying towards telling you what SHOULD have happened rather than what DID happen. But Mike's book is different. This is the story of what it's all about being an astronaut: nuts and bolts, human weaknesses, bureaucracy, chauvanism, fear, elation, reality. But above all the need to fly into space. If you were to read only one astronaut biography, then this should be it.

the Bill Bryson of space travel, 03 May 2006
I've been waiting for this book since I was a kid watching the first landing on the Moon on TV. It is something completely different from what I read till now on the spacce project. To say that Mike Mullane is the Bill Bryson of space travel is to underestimate him. You will not only appreciate the story, the inside view on the US space program (including the permanent mismanagement). You will also learn about a real dream love: the one with his wife, Donna. What is really outstanding in Mike is the chase for the "ultimate honesty". He constantly refuse the "politically correct" approach and goes straigth to the core of our relations to space travels, dreams, technology, relation with... women, with our boss and with... the girl of our dream, in this case another Astronaut tragically dead in the Challenger accident. The last pages in particular are surprisingly good and poetic. I would never expect something like that.

Thanks, Mike, for your honesty.

Slightly disappointed, 09 Nov 2008


I purchased this book with a gift token I received from a friend. I was hoping for a "definitive" pictorial account of Nasa's first fifty years in space. It does have a comprehensive collection of images with many full page colour reproductions of original material.
BUT
Far too many of the pictures are of NASA personnel, Astronauts, engineers flight controllers etc. After a while one lantern jawed,crew cut guy in a flight suit looks like any other! If you are looking for a NASA "family album" then fine but to my taste there's simply too many pretty mundane portrait type pictures at the expense of "the bigger picture" of space exploration. For that reason I cannot recommend its purchase since there are better books out there on the subject.


This is one of the best Schaum's outlines., 13 May 1999
This is a very detailed outline on Lagrangian mechanics. Many of the Schaum's series outlines deal only with some of the simplest problems, leaving the more diffucult problems to the reader, or to texts. Here, the author dedicates two chapters to background material, and covers everything from the most basic to some quite advanced problems in the remaining sixteen chapters. A very good outline, and a must for those who love to see good examples when learning a subject.

Speculative but possible, 31 Aug 2008
The great thing about Joseph Farrell's books are that aside from being interesting reads, they always challenge what you might term "conventional history", and thus regardless of whether you agree with him or not they always make you reconsider what previously you might have taken for granted to be fact. This book is certainly no exception to that.
I have mixed feelings about the book. On the negative side, some of the theories written by other researchers that Farrell uses to support his central theory of an ancient war in the solar system are not very credible, and also he rejects certain other researchers theories, but then actually uses them as supporting evidence.
For instance in the 3rd chapter of part 1, he discusses the work of Alan Alford who by the way believes that behind virtually all religions and philosophies "...there lies a single secret of stunning simplicity- the age-old myth of exploded planet." In my view Farrell rightfully rejects that theory, but then he goes on to use a slightly modified version of a formula Alford came up with in interpreting the ancient texts to back up his own theory. Where Alford equates the words Mountains = Planets = Gods , Farrell changes this to Mountains being closely associated with but not identical to Planets to Gods, and then proceeds to use that formula when he examines some of the ancient texts. Likewise with Zechariah Sitchin, where he rejects Sitchins theory that the theft of the Tablets of Destinies shut down communications between spaceports on Earth and another planet, but then goes on to use Sitchins theory as supporting evidence that as a result of the theft, there was a loss of communications between some of the Gods on Earth and elsewhere.
On the plus side, part 3 where he looks at external evidence of a war on other planets and moons in the solar system was really interesting, and I couldn't put the book down until I'd read the whole part.
In addition the chapter on plasma cosmology was certainly intriguing, and I think there might be something to it.
The section on what kind of weapons systems that could have been used in the war was not exactly easy going as he writes about some pretty advanced stuff like optical phase conjugation and how it might possibly be used to create some type of planetary or star-busting weapon. However it's certainly an important factor to consider, and after doing a little background reading, I was able to roughly understand the basic concepts, and to see how this kind of technology could potentially have been applied in the scenario described, and he does a pretty good job of interpreting some of the ancient texts along these lines.
Overall I wouldn't say the book is exactly convincing but Farrell himself admits that it is "highly speculative," and considering the limited evidence that is currently available to us I think he's done well in at least showing the cosmic war hypothesis to be a possibility.
Incidentally when the architect of the modern atomic bomb, Robert Oppenheimer was asked "how do you feel after having exploded the first atomic bomb on earth" he replied "not first atomic bomb, but first atomic bomb in modern times." Makes you wonder.


Thought provoking and interesting., 29 May 2008
This book presents the various interpretations of ancient Sumerian, Babylonian, Egyptian and Meso-american texts and show that they have amazing similarities in both story and character. In fact Farrell demonstrates that many characters are the same buy with differing names.

Joseph Farrell makes a good case that all these myths are one and the same 'root origin myth' that is based in an anceint but very real conflict in our Solar System.

Somewhat disturbing, the book also sheds some light on just what the hell Himmler and his deranged acolytes hoped to accomplish in their occult endeavours. This ties up with his work on the Nazi Bell.

An excellent introduction to cosmology, 07 Aug 2005
Laymen's guides to physics usually resort to metaphors that are seriously misleading. The alternative is a highly mathematical approach that is inaccessible to most readers. Coles manages to simplify without misleading. Actually, some basic knowledge of physics is assumed, at least if you want a full understanding of what is being said, but it is never beyond high school level and most of the book does not require even that.

Covering relativity, quantum theory, particle physics and much else, this is a perfect introduction to a vast and profound topic. My only complaint: cosmology is a fast-changing subject. A new edition is needed very soon.

Not that bad., 01 Nov 2003
I found this book a good read: the book displays interesting and well known ideas and diagrams. Though I think you could get a better read: for example, I loved, Before the Beginning our universe and others, which doesn't make you fall to sleep every page.
But I must admit, I read it and I liked it. So I think you would too.

A balanced view of cosmology, 03 Mar 2003
This is a truly excellent introduction to cosmology for specialist and non-specialist alike. It is non-mathematical and so may be read by anyone, but the overall cover is so good, in my opinion, that it would prove an ideal first read for both undergraduates and postgraduates. All the main topics are covered; the big problems facing us are all highlighted, but what makes this book stand out is the total lack of arrogance displayed by the author. When dealing with something which is not established fact, he gives his opinion but makes it absolutely clear that it is just that - his opinion! This is in marked contrast to the attitude displayed in most texts and is certainly contrary to the policy adopted by some popular scientific journals, which seem to establish a sort of 'perceived conventional wisdom' and refuse to publish anything which disagrees with that so-called wisdom. This book will certainly not lead the interested amateur astray, but will present both facts and theories and leave the reader to make up his own mind over matters which are still open to question.
I would urge anyone with an interest in cosmology to buy this book and read it . However, be warned; physically it is a little book but, to gain the maximum from reading it, it is definitely not a quick read! Read it, digest it and enjoy! It really is worth the effort!

A good and non-mathematical introduction., 15 Jan 2002
This book lives up to its title as a very short introduction. It covers the history of cosmological ideas including the great astronomical discoveries and theoretical triumphs of the 20th century. It also brings up the questions that are baffling todays cosmologists, the Hubble Constant, Omega, quantum-gravity, dark matter etc.

The introduction is non-mathematical and can be appreciated by non-scientists. There are relevant diagrams and photographs. Ideas are expressed clearly and logically. The book is an ideal starter for anyone interested in this exciting subject.

A must read - both entertaining and thought provoking., 28 Sep 2008
I've always been interested in NASA and the Space Shuttle. I bought this book and read it in less than a week. It's that good I found it hard to put it down!

Mike Mullane tells us in brutal honestly what it is like to be an astronaut. How the fear of a launch will keep you awake at night but then how you would not miss it for the world. The extremes are all there - from the tradegy of Challenger and Columbia, to the absolute joy of being in Space and looking back down on the Earth. And then there is Mike's sence of humour (of as he calls it - his "arrested development" sence of humour!), which is an absolute joy.

I loved this book from start to finish. It is easy to read even if you have no interest in the space programe. I recommend this to anyone. Fantastic book Mike!

Seat of the pants stuff, 11 Dec 2007
This is probably the best astronaut autobiography I have read with the possible exception of Michael Collin's book. Colonel Mike Mullane was the first generation of the space shuttle astronauts specifically selected to fly on the machine. His book is a no holds bared account of his time before and at NASA and the courage, terror and perhaps foolhardy nature it takes to ride into space on rocket which basically has no effective escape system. Personally I liked all the anecdotes that are scattered throughout the book, I particularly liked the way he described the meeting of two cultures, scientist astronaut and military astronaut. Having served in the infantry and being a scientist I can well appreciate the two would not initially get along. As Colonel Mullane describes he was a product of his environment, Vietnam veteran and survivor of a catholic school. However, the moral of his story and life education is the respect he developed for women who want a career and also people who are prepared to put their life on the line in pursuit of a common goal which is unobtainable to most. This is one of my selected `toilet' books and it is well thumbed companion. Friends who come to stay always get addicted when reading it and basically only emerge when nagged by their wives, who then get addicted to. Well worth the read.

A no holds barred account of 80s NASA, 01 May 2007
I bought this as i wanted to know all about spaceflight and the workings of NASA from someone who had actually been there and i got just that despite the personality of the author.

Mullane recounts his life before NASA, his yearnings for space and then all his time at NASA. His intense enthusiasm for space drives the narrative. He gives a gritty and honest view of what it was like to work at NASA including internal politics and competition for flight places. Specifically his detail on waiting to fly, sitting on the launch pad and being in space was the part i was most excited to read.

However it does come across immediately that Mullane is (and freely admits) a chauvinist, extremely childish and living up to a gung-ho, yee-ha 'Top Gun' stereotype of American fighter pilots. The regular comments and jokes about his other colleagues, pranks and attitude to the world were really tiresome and quite shocking in places. This continues throughout and although doesn't stop this from being a great read is a continual annoyance.

If you are interested in the US Space Program, then read this book., 04 Sep 2006
There are a good number of astronaut biographies available. Inevitably there is fair amount of repetition sometimes straying towards telling you what SHOULD have happened rather than what DID happen. But Mike's book is different. This is the story of what it's all about being an astronaut: nuts and bolts, human weaknesses, bureaucracy, chauvanism, fear, elation, reality. But above all the need to fly into space. If you were to read only one astronaut biography, then this should be it.

the Bill Bryson of space travel, 03 May 2006
I've been waiting for this book since I was a kid watching the first landing on the Moon on TV. It is something completely different from what I read till now on the spacce project. To say that Mike Mullane is the Bill Bryson of space travel is to underestimate him. You will not only appreciate the story, the inside view on the US space program (including the permanent mismanagement). You will also learn about a real dream love: the one with his wife, Donna. What is really outstanding in Mike is the chase for the "ultimate honesty". He constantly refuse the "politically correct" approach and goes straigth to the core of our relations to space travels, dreams, technology, relation with... women, with our boss and with... the girl of our dream, in this case another Astronaut tragically dead in the Challenger accident. The last pages in particular are surprisingly good and poetic. I would never expect something like that.

Thanks, Mike, for your honesty.

Slightly disappointed, 09 Nov 2008


I purchased this book with a gift token I received from a friend. I was hoping for a "definitive" pictorial account of Nasa's first fifty years in space. It does have a comprehensive collection of images with many full page colour reproductions of original material.
BUT
Far too many of the pictures are of NASA personnel, Astronauts, engineers flight controllers etc. After a while one lantern jawed,crew cut guy in a flight suit looks like any other! If you are looking for a NASA "family album" then fine but to my taste there's simply too many pretty mundane portrait type pictures at the expense of "the bigger picture" of space exploration. For that reason I cannot recommend its purchase since there are better books out there on the subject.


This is one of the best Schaum's outlines., 13 May 1999
This is a very detailed outline on Lagrangian mechanics. Many of the Schaum's series outlines deal only with some of the simplest problems, leaving the more diffucult problems to the reader, or to texts. Here, the author dedicates two chapters to background material, and covers everything from the most basic to some quite advanced problems in the remaining sixteen chapters. A very good outline, and a must for those who love to see good examples when learning a subject.

Speculative but possible, 31 Aug 2008
The great thing about Joseph Farrell's books are that aside from being interesting reads, they always challenge what you might term "conventional history", and thus regardless of whether you agree with him or not they always make you reconsider what previously you might have taken for granted to be fact. This book is certainly no exception to that.
I have mixed feelings about the book. On the negative side, some of the theories written by other researchers that Farrell uses to support his central theory of an ancient war in the solar system are not very credible, and also he rejects certain other researchers theories, but then actually uses them as supporting evidence.
For instance in the 3rd chapter of part 1, he discusses the work of Alan Alford who by the way believes that behind virtually all religions and philosophies "...there lies a single secret of stunning simplicity- the age-old myth of exploded planet." In my view Farrell rightfully rejects that theory, but then he goes on to use a slightly modified version of a formula Alford came up with in interpreting the ancient texts to back up his own theory. Where Alford equates the words Mountains = Planets = Gods , Farrell changes this to Mountains being closely associated with but not identical to Planets to Gods, and then proceeds to use that formula when he examines some of the ancient texts. Likewise with Zechariah Sitchin, where he rejects Sitchins theory that the theft of the Tablets of Destinies shut down communications between spaceports on Earth and another planet, but then goes on to use Sitchins theory as supporting evidence that as a result of the theft, there was a loss of communications between some of the Gods on Earth and elsewhere.
On the plus side, part 3 where he looks at external evidence of a war on other planets and moons in the solar system was really interesting, and I couldn't put the book down until I'd read the whole part.
In addition the chapter on plasma cosmology was certainly intriguing, and I think there might be something to it.
The section on what kind of weapons systems that could have been used in the war was not exactly easy going as he writes about some pretty advanced stuff like optical phase conjugation and how it might possibly be used to create some type of planetary or star-busting weapon. However it's certainly an important factor to consider, and after doing a little background reading, I was able to roughly understand the basic concepts, and to see how this kind of technology could potentially have been applied in the scenario described, and he does a pretty good job of interpreting some of the ancient texts along these lines.
Overall I wouldn't say the book is exactly convincing but Farrell himself admits that it is "highly speculative," and considering the limited evidence that is currently available to us I think he's done well in at least showing the cosmic war hypothesis to be a possibility.
Incidentally when the architect of the modern atomic bomb, Robert Oppenheimer was asked "how do you feel after having exploded the first atomic bomb on earth" he replied "not first atomic bomb, but first atomic bomb in modern times." Makes you wonder.


Thought provoking and interesting., 29 May 2008
This book presents the various interpretations of ancient Sumerian, Babylonian, Egyptian and Meso-american texts and show that they have amazing similarities in both story and character. In fact Farrell demonstrates that many characters are the same buy with differing names.

Joseph Farrell makes a good case that all these myths are one and the same 'root origin myth' that is based in an anceint but very real conflict in our Solar System.

Somewhat disturbing, the book also sheds some light on just what the hell Himmler and his deranged acolytes hoped to accomplish in their occult endeavours. This ties up with his work on the Nazi Bell.

An excellent introduction to cosmology, 07 Aug 2005
Laymen's guides to physics usually resort to metaphors that are seriously misleading. The alternative is a highly mathematical approach that is inaccessible to most readers. Coles manages to simplify without misleading. Actually, some basic knowledge of physics is assumed, at least if you want a full understanding of what is being said, but it is never beyond high school level and most of the book does not require even that.

Covering relativity, quantum theory, particle physics and much else, this is a perfect introduction to a vast and profound topic. My only complaint: cosmology is a fast-changing subject. A new edition is needed very soon.

Not that bad., 01 Nov 2003
I found this book a good read: the book displays interesting and well known ideas and diagrams. Though I think you could get a better read: for example, I loved, Before the Beginning our universe and others, which doesn't make you fall to sleep every page.
But I must admit, I read it and I liked it. So I think you would too.

A balanced view of cosmology, 03 Mar 2003
This is a truly excellent introduction to cosmology for specialist and non-specialist alike. It is non-mathematical and so may be read by anyone, but the overall cover is so good, in my opinion, that it would prove an ideal first read for both undergraduates and postgraduates. All the main topics are covered; the big problems facing us are all highlighted, but what makes this book stand out is the total lack of arrogance displayed by the author. When dealing with something which is not established fact, he gives his opinion but makes it absolutely clear that it is just that - his opinion! This is in marked contrast to the attitude displayed in most texts and is certainly contrary to the policy adopted by some popular scientific journals, which seem to establish a sort of 'perceived conventional wisdom' and refuse to publish anything which disagrees with that so-called wisdom. This book will certainly not lead the interested amateur astray, but will present both facts and theories and leave the reader to make up his own mind over matters which are still open to question.
I would urge anyone with an interest in cosmology to buy this book and read it . However, be warned; physically it is a little book but, to gain the maximum from reading it, it is definitely not a quick read! Read it, digest it and enjoy! It really is worth the effort!

A good and non-mathematical introduction., 15 Jan 2002
This book lives up to its title as a very short introduction. It covers the history of cosmological ideas including the great astronomical discoveries and theoretical triumphs of the 20th century. It also brings up the questions that are baffling todays cosmologists, the Hubble Constant, Omega, quantum-gravity, dark matter etc.

The introduction is non-mathematical and can be appreciated by non-scientists. There are relevant diagrams and photographs. Ideas are expressed clearly and logically. The book is an ideal starter for anyone interested in this exciting subject.

Well written and accessible, 23 Sep 2004
A huge (1400-odd pages) textbook printed on good paper with excellent diagrams and b&w photographs. No flashy colour plates, though; this is not one for your coffee table.

It is well-written and accessible to anyone with a modest grasp of calculus, providing an excellent introduction to the whole field: everything from Kepler's laws, through spectra, special relativity, stellar evolution, binary systems to galactic evolution and a brief introduction to cosmology.

The book is structured into sections and within each section are a number of chapters, each of which is a series of effective tutorials, typically building one upon the other.

(I purchased my copy near the beginning of a vacation to the UK, and found it so absorbing that I missed a good part of the countryside I had come to see, and considerably annoyed my family. Eventually, in Dublin, we agreed that Carroll & Ostlie would have to be consigned to a cardboard box and posted
home.)

Not over complicated and easily understood., 04 Apr 2002
The book is detailed to the point that it doesn't bore you. It covers probably all the topics of Astrophysics that i never knew existed. It could benefit from color diagrams/photos just to keep you more focused, thats the only reason I gave it 4 stars.

Excellent, well written and comprehensive astrophysics book., 23 Nov 2000
The book contains material from almost every subject in astrophysics, presented in a way that keeps the readers interest in the subject. It also contains worked examples, which isn't all that common in most astronomy books, who usually doesn't show the reader how to use his/her knowledge from physics/math. In all, an excellent book that also can be used as a source for further search into a particular subject, by pointing out refernce articles/book at the end of each subject, of both general and technical nature.

A must read - both entertaining and thought provoking., 28 Sep 2008
I've always been interested in NASA and the Space Shuttle. I bought this book and read it in less than a week. It's that good I found it hard to put it down!

Mike Mullane tells us in brutal honestly what it is like to be an astronaut. How the fear of a launch will keep you awake at night but then how you would not miss it for the world. The extremes are all there - from the tradegy of Challenger and Columbia, to the absolute joy of being in Space and looking back down on the Earth. And then there is Mike's sence of humour (of as he calls it - his "arrested development" sence of humour!), which is an absolute joy.

I loved this book from start to finish. It is easy to read even if you have no interest in the space programe. I recommend this to anyone. Fantastic book Mike!

Seat of the pants stuff, 11 Dec 2007
This is probably the best astronaut autobiography I have read with the possible exception of Michael Collin's book. Colonel Mike Mullane was the first generation of the space shuttle astronauts specifically selected to fly on the machine. His book is a no holds bared account of his time before and at NASA and the courage, terror and perhaps foolhardy nature it takes to ride into space on rocket which basically has no effective escape system. Personally I liked all the anecdotes that are scattered throughout the book, I particularly liked the way he described the meeting of two cultures, scientist astronaut and military astronaut. Having served in the infantry and being a scientist I can well appreciate the two would not initially get along. As Colonel Mullane describes he was a product of his environment, Vietnam veteran and survivor of a catholic school. However, the moral of his story and life education is the respect he developed for women who want a career and also people who are prepared to put their life on the line in pursuit of a common goal which is unobtainable to most. This is one of my selected `toilet' books and it is well thumbed companion. Friends who come to stay always get addicted when reading it and basically only emerge when nagged by their wives, who then get addicted to. Well worth the read.

A no holds barred account of 80s NASA, 01 May 2007
I bought this as i wanted to know all about spaceflight and the workings of NASA from someone who had actually been there and i got just that despite the personality of the author.

Mullane recounts his life before NASA, his yearnings for space and then all his time at NASA. His intense enthusiasm for space drives the narrative. He gives a gritty and honest view of what it was like to work at NASA including internal politics and competition for flight places. Specifically his detail on waiting to fly, sitting on the launch pad and being in space was the part i was most excited to read.

However it does come across immediately that Mullane is (and freely admits) a chauvinist, extremely childish and living up to a gung-ho, yee-ha 'Top Gun' stereotype of American fighter pilots. The regular comments and jokes about his other colleagues, pranks and attitude to the world were really tiresome and quite shocking in places. This continues throughout and although doesn't stop this from being a great read is a continual annoyance.

If you are interested in the US Space Program, then read this book., 04 Sep 2006
There are a good number of astronaut biographies available. Inevitably there is fair amount of repetition sometimes straying towards telling you what SHOULD have happened rather than what DID happen. But Mike's book is different. This is the story of what it's all about being an astronaut: nuts and bolts, human weaknesses, bureaucracy, chauvanism, fear, elation, reality. But above all the need to fly into space. If you were to read only one astronaut biography, then this should be it.

the Bill Bryson of space travel, 03 May 2006
I've been waiting for this book since I was a kid watching the first landing on the Moon on TV. It is something completely different from what I read till now on the spacce project. To say that Mike Mullane is the Bill Bryson of space travel is to underestimate him. You will not only appreciate the story, the inside view on the US space program (including the permanent mismanagement). You will also learn about a real dream love: the one with his wife, Donna. What is really outstanding in Mike is the chase for the "ultimate honesty". He constantly refuse the "politically correct" approach and goes straigth to the core of our relations to space travels, dreams, technology, relation with... women, with our boss and with... the girl of our dream, in this case another Astronaut tragically dead in the Challenger accident. The last pages in particular are surprisingly good and poetic. I would never expect something like that.

Thanks, Mike, for your honesty.

Slightly disappointed, 09 Nov 2008


I purchased this book with a gift token I received from a friend. I was hoping for a "definitive" pictorial account of Nasa's first fifty years in space. It does have a comprehensive collection of images with many full page colour reproductions of original material.
BUT
Far too many of the pictures are of NASA personnel, Astronauts, engineers flight controllers etc. After a while one lantern jawed,crew cut guy in a flight suit looks like any other! If you are looking for a NASA "family album" then fine but to my taste there's simply too many pretty mundane portrait type pictures at the expense of "the bigger picture" of space exploration. For that reason I cannot recommend its purchase since there are better books out there on the subject.


This is one of the best Schaum's outlines., 13 May 1999
This is a very detailed outline on Lagrangian mechanics. Many of the Schaum's series outlines deal only with some of the simplest problems, leaving the more diffucult problems to the reader, or to texts. Here, the author dedicates two chapters to background material, and covers everything from the most basic to some quite advanced problems in the remaining sixteen chapters. A very good outline, and a must for those who love to see good examples when learning a subject.

Speculative but possible, 31 Aug 2008
The great thing about Joseph Farrell's books are that aside from being interesting reads, they always challenge what you might term "conventional history", and thus regardless of whether you agree with him or not they always make you reconsider what previously you might have taken for granted to be fact. This book is certainly no exception to that.
I have mixed feelings about the book. On the negative side, some of the theories written by other researchers that Farrell uses to support his central theory of an ancient war in the solar system are not very credible, and also he rejects certain other researchers theories, but then actually uses them as supporting evidence.
For instance in the 3rd chapter of part 1, he discusses the work of Alan Alford who by the way believes that behind virtually all religions and philosophies "...there lies a single secret of stunning simplicity- the age-old myth of exploded planet." In my view Farrell rightfully rejects that theory, but then he goes on to use a slightly modified version of a formula Alford came up with in interpreting the ancient texts to back up his own theory. Where Alford equates the words Mountains = Planets = Gods , Farrell changes this to Mountains being closely associated with but not identical to Planets to Gods, and then proceeds to use that formula when he examines some of the ancient texts. Likewise with Zechariah Sitchin, where he rejects Sitchins theory that the theft of the Tablets of Destinies shut down communications between spaceports on Earth and another planet, but then goes on to use Sitchins theory as supporting evidence that as a result of the theft, there was a loss of communications between some of the Gods on Earth and elsewhere.
On the plus side, part 3 where he looks at external evidence of a war on other planets and moons in the solar system was really interesting, and I couldn't put the book down until I'd read the whole part.
In addition the chapter on plasma cosmology was certainly intriguing, and I think there might be something to it.
The section on what kind of weapons systems that could have been used in the war was not exactly easy going as he writes about some pretty advanced stuff like optical phase conjugation and how it might possibly be used to create some type of planetary or star-busting weapon. However it's certainly an important factor to consider, and after doing a little background reading, I was able to roughly understand the basic concepts, and to see how this kind of technology could potentially have been applied in the scenario described, and he does a pretty good job of interpreting some of the ancient texts along these lines.
Overall I wouldn't say the book is exactly convincing but Farrell himself admits that it is "highly speculative," and considering the limited evidence that is currently available to us I think he's done well in at least showing the cosmic war hypothesis to be a possibility.
Incidentally when the architect of the modern atomic bomb, Robert Oppenheimer was asked "how do you feel after having exploded the first atomic bomb on earth" he replied "not first atomic bomb, but first atomic bomb in modern times." Makes you wonder.


Thought provoking and interesting., 29 May 2008
This book presents the various interpretations of ancient Sumerian, Babylonian, Egyptian and Meso-american texts and show that they have amazing similarities in both story and character. In fact Farrell demonstrates that many characters are the same buy with differing names.

Joseph Farrell makes a good case that all these myths are one and the same 'root origin myth' that is based in an anceint but very real conflict in our Solar System.

Somewhat disturbing, the book also sheds some light on just what the hell Himmler and his deranged acolytes hoped to accomplish in their occult endeavours. This ties up with his work on the Nazi Bell.

An excellent introduction to cosmology, 07 Aug 2005
Laymen's guides to physics usually resort to metaphors that are seriously misleading. The alternative is a highly mathematical approach that is inaccessible to most readers. Coles manages to simplify without misleading. Actually, some basic knowledge of physics is assumed, at least if you want a full understanding of what is being said, but it is never beyond high school level and most of the book does not require even that.

Covering relativity, quantum theory, particle physics and much else, this is a perfect introduction to a vast and profound topic. My only complaint: cosmology is a fast-changing subject. A new edition is needed very soon.

Not that bad., 01 Nov 2003
I found this book a good read: the book displays interesting and well known ideas and diagrams. Though I think you could get a better read: for example, I loved, Before the Beginning our universe and others, which doesn't make you fall to sleep every page.
But I must admit, I read it and I liked it. So I think you would too.

A balanced view of cosmology, 03 Mar 2003
This is a truly excellent introduction to cosmology for specialist and non-specialist alike. It is non-mathematical and so may be read by anyone, but the overall cover is so good, in my opinion, that it would prove an ideal first read for both undergraduates and postgraduates. All the main topics are covered; the big problems facing us are all highlighted, but what makes this book stand out is the total lack of arrogance displayed by the author. When dealing with something which is not established fact, he gives his opinion but makes it absolutely clear that it is just that - his opinion! This is in marked contrast to the attitude displayed in most texts and is certainly contrary to the policy adopted by some popular scientific journals, which seem to establish a sort of 'perceived conventional wisdom' and refuse to publish anything which disagrees with that so-called wisdom. This book will certainly not lead the interested amateur astray, but will present both facts and theories and leave the reader to make up his own mind over matters which are still open to question.
I would urge anyone with an interest in cosmology to buy this book and read it . However, be warned; physically it is a little book but, to gain the maximum from reading it, it is definitely not a quick read! Read it, digest it and enjoy! It really is worth the effort!

A good and non-mathematical introduction., 15 Jan 2002
This book lives up to its title as a very short introduction. It covers the history of cosmological ideas including the great astronomical discoveries and theoretical triumphs of the 20th century. It also brings up the questions that are baffling todays cosmologists, the Hubble Constant, Omega, quantum-gravity, dark matter etc.

The introduction is non-mathematical and can be appreciated by non-scientists. There are relevant diagrams and photographs. Ideas are expressed clearly and logically. The book is an ideal starter for anyone interested in this exciting subject.

Well written and accessible, 23 Sep 2004
A huge (1400-odd pages) textbook printed on good paper with excellent diagrams and b&w photographs. No flashy colour plates, though; this is not one for your coffee table.

It is well-written and accessible to anyone with a modest grasp of calculus, providing an excellent introduction to the whole field: everything from Kepler's laws, through spectra, special relativity, stellar evolution, binary systems to galactic evolution and a brief introduction to cosmology.

The book is structured into sections and within each section are a number of chapters, each of which is a series of effective tutorials, typically building one upon the other.

(I purchased my copy near the beginning of a vacation to the UK, and found it so absorbing that I missed a good part of the countryside I had come to see, and considerably annoyed my family. Eventually, in Dublin, we agreed that Carroll & Ostlie would have to be consigned to a cardboard box and posted
home.)

Not over complicated and easily understood., 04 Apr 2002
The book is detailed to the point that it doesn't bore you. It covers probably all the topics of Astrophysics that i never knew existed. It could benefit from color diagrams/photos just to keep you more focused, thats the only reason I gave it 4 stars.

Excellent, well written and comprehensive astrophysics book., 23 Nov 2000
The book contains material from almost every subject in astrophysics, presented in a way that keeps the readers interest in the subject. It also contains worked examples, which isn't all that common in most astronomy books, who usually doesn't show the reader how to use his/her knowledge from physics/math. In all, an excellent book that also can be used as a source for further search into a particular subject, by pointing out refernce articles/book at the end of each subject, of both general and technical nature.

A fascinating and very interesting read, 30 Jul 2008
A fascinating book written in a style that an interested layman can understand. Despite having lived through, and been interested in, all the space exploration since Sputnik, I hadn't appreciated all that is involved.

Dr Rogers is to be congratulated for covering a complex topic in a straightforward way without recourse to too much and hard-to-understand science. Indeed I occasionally found the book prompted further questions in my mind which I then enjoyed researching.

The author also covered relevant astronomy topics which I found very useful. One day perhaps, humans will set foot on another planet in the solar system and some of the problems that such a mission would have to face are covered well.

Clearly the author has a passion for space and astronomy, as well as the ability to put things over in an essentially simply way.

All in all I'd can thoroughly recommend the book.

A must read - both entertaining and thought provoking., 28 Sep 2008
I've always been interested in NASA and the Space Shuttle. I bought this book and read it in less than a week. It's that good I found it hard to put it down!

Mike Mullane tells us in brutal honestly what it is like to be an astronaut. How the fear of a launch will keep you awake at night but then how you would not miss it for the world. The extremes are all there - from the tradegy of Challenger and Columbia, to the absolute joy of being in Space and looking back down on the Earth. And then there is Mike's sence of humour (of as he calls it - his "arrested development" sence of humour!), which is an absolute joy.

I loved this book from start to finish. It is easy to read even if you have no interest in the space programe. I recommend this to anyone. Fantastic book Mike!

Seat of the pants stuff, 11 Dec 2007
This is probably the best astronaut autobiography I have read with the possible exception of Michael Collin's book. Colonel Mike Mullane was the first generation of the space shuttle astronauts specifically selected to fly on the machine. His book is a no holds bared account of his time before and at NASA and the courage, terror and perhaps foolhardy nature it takes to ride into space on rocket which basically has no effective escape system. Personally I liked all the anecdotes that are scattered throughout the book, I particularly liked the way he described the meeting of two cultures, scientist astronaut and military astronaut. Having served in the infantry and being a scientist I can well appreciate the two would not initially get along. As Colonel Mullane describes he was a product of his environment, Vietnam veteran and survivor of a catholic school. However, the moral of his story and life education is the respect he developed for women who want a career and also people who are prepared to put their life on the line in pursuit of a common goal which is unobtainable to most. This is one of my selected `toilet' books and it is well thumbed companion. Friends who come to stay always get addicted when reading it and basically only emerge when nagged by their wives, who then get addicted to. Well worth the read.

A no holds barred account of 80s NASA, 01 May 2007
I bought this as i wanted to know all about spaceflight and the workings of NASA from someone who had actually been there and i got just that despite the personality of the author.

Mullane recounts his life before NASA, his yearnings for space and then all his time at NASA. His intense enthusiasm for space drives the narrative. He gives a gritty and honest view of what it was like to work at NASA including internal politics and competition for flight places. Specifically his detail on waiting to fly, sitting on the launch pad and being in space was the part i was most excited to read.

However it does come across immediately that Mullane is (and freely admits) a chauvinist, extremely childish and living up to a gung-ho, yee-ha 'Top Gun' stereotype of American fighter pilots. The regular comments and jokes about his other colleagues, pranks and attitude to the world were really tiresome and quite shocking in places. This continues throughout and although doesn't stop this from being a great read is a continual annoyance.

If you are interested in the US Space Program, then read this book., 04 Sep 2006
There are a good number of astronaut biographies available. Inevitably there is fair amount of repetition sometimes straying towards telling you what SHOULD have happened rather than what DID happen. But Mike's book is different. This is the story of what it's all about being an astronaut: nuts and bolts, human weaknesses, bureaucracy, chauvanism, fear, elation, reality. But above all the need to fly into space. If you were to read only one astronaut biography, then this should be it.

the Bill Bryson of space travel, 03 May 2006
I've been waiting for this book since I was a kid watching the first landing on the Moon on TV. It is something completely different from what I read till now on the spacce project. To say that Mike Mullane is the Bill Bryson of space travel is to underestimate him. You will not only appreciate the story, the inside view on the US space program (including the permanent mismanagement). You will also learn about a real dream love: the one with his wife, Donna. What is really outstanding in Mike is the chase for the "ultimate honesty". He constantly refuse the "politically correct" approach and goes straigth to the core of our relations to space travels, dreams, technology, relation with... women, with our boss and with... the girl of our dream, in this case another Astronaut tragically dead in the Challenger accident. The last pages in particular are surprisingly good and poetic. I would never expect something like that.

Thanks, Mike, for your honesty.

Slightly disappointed, 09 Nov 2008


I purchased this book with a gift token I received from a friend. I was hoping for a "definitive" pictorial account of Nasa's first fifty years in space. It does have a comprehensive collection of images with many full page colour reproductions of original material.
BUT
Far too many of the pictures are of NASA personnel, Astronauts, engineers flight controllers etc. After a while one lantern jawed,crew cut guy in a flight suit looks like any other! If you are looking for a NASA "family album" then fine but to my taste there's simply too many pretty mundane portrait type pictures at the expense of "the bigger picture" of space exploration. For that reason I cannot recommend its purchase since there are better books out there on the subject.


This is one of the best Schaum's outlines., 13 May 1999
This is a very detailed outline on Lagrangian mechanics. Many of the Schaum's series outlines deal only with some of the simplest problems, leaving the more diffucult problems to the reader, or to texts. Here, the author dedicates two chapters to background material, and covers everything from the most basic to some quite advanced problems in the remaining sixteen chapters. A very good outline, and a must for those who love to see good examples when learning a subject.

Speculative but possible, 31 Aug 2008
The great thing about Joseph Farrell's books are that aside from being interesting reads, they always challenge what you might term "conventional history", and thus regardless of whether you agree with him or not they always make you reconsider what previously you might have taken for granted to be fact. This book is certainly no exception to that.
I have mixed feelings about the book. On the negative side, some of the theories written by other researchers that Farrell uses to support his central theory of an ancient war in the solar system are not very credible, and also he rejects certain other researchers theories, but then actually uses them as supporting evidence.
For instance in the 3rd chapter of part 1, he discusses the work of Alan Alford who by the way believes that behind virtually all religions and philosophies "...there lies a single secret of stunning simplicity- the age-old myth of exploded planet." In my view Farrell rightfully rejects that theory, but then he goes on to use a slightly modified version of a formula Alford came up with in interpreting the ancient texts to back up his own theory. Where Alford equates the words Mountains = Planets = Gods , Farrell changes this to Mountains being closely associated with but not identical to Planets to Gods, and then proceeds to use that formula when he examines some of the ancient texts. Likewise with Zechariah Sitchin, where he rejects Sitchins theory that the theft of the Tablets of Destinies shut down communications between spaceports on Earth and another planet, but then goes on to use Sitchins theory as supporting evidence that as a result of the theft, there was a loss of communications between some of the Gods on Earth and elsewhere.
On the plus side, part 3 where he looks at external evidence of a war on other planets and moons in the solar system was really interesting, and I couldn't put the book down until I'd read the whole part.
In addition the chapter on plasma cosmology was certainly intriguing, and I think there might be something to it.
The section on what kind of weapons systems that could have been used in the war was not exactly easy going as he writes about some pretty advanced stuff like optical phase conjugation and how it might possibly be used to create some type of planetary or star-busting weapon. However it's certainly an important factor to consider, and after doing a little background reading, I was able to roughly understand the basic concepts, and to see how this kind of technology could potentially have been applied in the scenario described, and he does a pretty good job of interpreting some of the ancient texts along these lines.
Overall I wouldn't say the book is exactly convincing but Farrell himself admits that it is "highly speculative," and considering the limited evidence that is currently available to us I think he's done well in at least showing the cosmic war hypothesis to be a possibility.
Incidentally when the architect of the modern atomic bomb, Robert Oppenheimer was asked "how do you feel after having exploded the first atomic bomb on earth" he replied "not first atomic bomb, but first atomic bomb in modern times." Makes you wonder.


Thought provoking and interesting., 29 May 2008
This book presents the various interpretations of ancient Sumerian, Babylonian, Egyptian and Meso-american texts and show that they have amazing similarities in both story and character. In fact Farrell demonstrates that many characters are the same buy with differing names.

Joseph Farrell makes a good case that all these myths are one and the same 'root origin myth' that is based in an anceint but very real conflict in our Solar System.

Somewhat disturbing, the book also sheds some light on just what the hell Himmler and his deranged acolytes hoped to accomplish in their occult endeavours. This ties up with his work on the Nazi Bell.

An excellent introduction to cosmology, 07 Aug 2005
Laymen's guides to physics usually resort to metaphors that are seriously misleading. The alternative is a highly mathematical approach that is inaccessible to most readers. Coles manages to simplify without misleading. Actually, some basic knowledge of physics is assumed, at least if you want a full understanding of what is being said, but it is never beyond high school level and most of the book does not require even that.

Covering relativity, quantum theory, particle physics and much else, this is a perfect introduction to a vast and profound topic. My only complaint: cosmology is a fast-changing subject. A new edition is needed very soon.

Not that bad., 01 Nov 2003
I found this book a good read: the book displays interesting and well known ideas and diagrams. Though I think you could get a better read: for example, I loved, Before the Beginning our universe and others, which doesn't make you fall to sleep every page.
But I must admit, I read it and I liked it. So I think you would too.

A balanced view of cosmology, 03 Mar 2003
This is a truly excellent introduction to cosmology for specialist and non-specialist alike. It is non-mathematical and so may be read by anyone, but the overall cover is so good, in my opinion, that it would prove an ideal first read for both undergraduates and postgraduates. All the main topics are covered; the big problems facing us are all highlighted, but what makes this book stand out is the total lack of arrogance displayed by the author. When dealing with something which is not established fact, he gives his opinion but makes it absolutely clear that it is just that - his opinion! This is in marked contrast to the attitude displayed in most texts and is certainly contrary to the policy adopted by some popular scientific journals, which seem to establish a sort of 'perceived conventional wisdom' and refuse to publish anything which disagrees with that so-called wisdom. This book will certainly not lead the interested amateur astray, but will present both facts and theories and leave the reader to make up his own mind over matters which are still open to question.
I would urge anyone with an interest in cosmology to buy this book and read it . However, be warned; physically it is a little book but, to gain the maximum from reading it, it is definitely not a quick read! Read it, digest it and enjoy! It really is worth the effort!

A good and non-mathematical introduction., 15 Jan 2002
This book lives up to its title as a very short introduction. It covers the history of cosmological ideas including the great astronomical discoveries and theoretical triumphs of the 20th century. It also brings up the questions that are baffling todays cosmologists, the Hubble Constant, Omega, quantum-gravity, dark matter etc.

The introduction is non-mathematical and can be appreciated by non-scientists. There are relevant diagrams and photographs. Ideas are expressed clearly and logically. The book is an ideal starter for anyone interested in this exciting subject.

Well written and accessible, 23 Sep 2004
A huge (1400-odd pages) textbook printed on good paper with excellent diagrams and b&w photographs. No flashy colour plates, though; this is not one for your coffee table.

It is well-written and accessible to anyone with a modest grasp of calculus, providing an excellent introduction to the whole field: everything from Kepler's laws, through spectra, special relativity, stellar evolution, binary systems to galactic evolution and a brief introduction to cosmology.

The book is structured into sections and within each section are a number of chapters, each of which is a series of effective tutorials, typically building one upon the other.

(I purchased my copy near the beginning of a vacation to the UK, and found it so absorbing that I missed a good part of the countryside I had come to see, and considerably annoyed my family. Eventually, in Dublin, we agreed that Carroll & Ostlie would have to be consigned to a cardboard box and posted
home.)

Not over complicated and easily understood., 04 Apr 2002
The book is detailed to the point that it doesn't bore you. It covers probably all the topics of Astrophysics that i never knew existed. It could benefit from color diagrams/photos just to keep you more focused, thats the only reason I gave it 4 stars.

Excellent, well written and comprehensive astrophysics book., 23 Nov 2000
The book contains material from almost every subject in astrophysics, presented in a way that keeps the readers interest in the subject. It also contains worked examples, which isn't all that common in most astronomy books, who usually doesn't show the reader how to use his/her knowledge from physics/math. In all, an excellent book that also can be used as a source for further search into a particular subject, by pointing out refernce articles/book at the end of each subject, of both general and technical nature.

A fascinating and very interesting read, 30 Jul 2008
A fascinating book written in a style that an interested layman can understand. Despite having lived through, and been interested in, all the space exploration since Sputnik, I hadn't appreciated all that is involved.

Dr Rogers is to be congratulated for covering a complex topic in a straightforward way without recourse to too much and hard-to-understand science. Indeed I occasionally found the book prompted further questions in my mind which I then enjoyed researching.

The author also covered relevant astronomy topics which I found very useful. One day perhaps, humans will set foot on another pl